The identification and analysis of decorative elements in vernacular architecture not only contribute to the preservation of the nation’s invaluable cultural and historical heritage but also enable the reinterpretation of the underlying principles and rules embedded in past designs for application in contemporary architecture. Among the most distinctive elements in the vernacular architecture of Mazandaran—particularly in the city of Sari—is the Shir-sar, a symbolic motif that, beyond its aesthetic function, embodies cultural beliefs, social status, and an identity-shaping role within the urban landscape. This research, adopting a descriptive–analytical approach and drawing upon both library-based studies and field observations, undertakes a comparative examination of Shir-sars employed in the historic houses of Sari. The selected cases include prominent aristocratic residences such as the Hossein Khan Salar Kolbadi House, the Kolbadi House, the Fazeli House, the Nazari House, the Mirgati House, the Sadeghian House, and the Sardar Jalil House, alongside a number of vernacular dwellings belonging to the general populace, which feature simpler Shir-sars. The findings indicate that Shir-sars served not only as ornamental and identity-giving elements on façades but also as reflections of the social and cultural layers of Sari’s community. These insights may provide a foundation for the creative recontextualization of vernacular elements in contemporary architectural design, thereby reinforcing architectural identity and enhancing the urban landscape of Mazandaran.